Dark Divide Trail Races
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Event
The Dark Divide Trail Races take place September 4-6, 2026, with race headquarters at Cispus Learning Center near Randle, Washington. The event is held within the Dark Divide Roadless Area in the Gifford-Pinchot National Forest. Distances offered include:
- 100 Miler
- 100K
- 50K
- 15 Miler
Cispus Learning Center provides bunkhouses, showers, a kitchen, and parking. There is nearby car, tent, and RV camping. The event acknowledges tribes with historic ties to the area, including the Cowlitz, Xwáłxwaypam (Klikitat), and Yakama people.
Race rules, logistics, and requirements
The Dark Divide 100 Miler is a Hardrock 100 qualifier. The 100 Miler has formal qualification standards that require verifiable race results or submitted GPX and supporting documentation for discretionary review. Qualifications include recent trail race results at specified distances and elevation gains or equivalent wilderness activity documentation. The race uses a 48 hour cutoff.
Pacers are permitted for the 100 Miler starting at Wright Meadow Aid Station (Mile 51.6) with allowed changes at Summit Prairie (Mile 71.4) and Juniper Ridge (Mile 93.7). Pacers must check in, sign a waiver, wear a pacer bib, remain with the runner, and follow course rules. Pacers may not transfer supplies except at aid stations.
There is a volunteer service requirement for 100 Miler and 100K entrants: eight hours of documented service (examples given include habitat restoration, trail work, and inclusivity initiatives) submitted by race check-in. There is no formal shuttle for the 100K; participants must arrange their own transportation.
Registration closes August 20, 2026.
Prizes
Prize offerings for the 100 Miler include time-based and milestone awards: Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
- $2,000 for the first female sub-24 hour finish
- $2,000 for the first male sub-20 hour finish
- $2,000 for the first non-binary sub-20 hour finish
- $10,000 for the first female to finish five Dark Divide 100 Milers
- $10,000 for the first male to finish five Dark Divide 100 Milers
- $10,000 for the first non-binary to finish five Dark Divide 100 Milers